We are finally back for the chase! The sandstorm has gone and we are back with cricketing action. Bangalore players are in a huddle with skipper, Virat Kohli having a word with his players before they take the field.Â
Update 2130 local (1600 GMT) - Good news! It looks like the storm has calmed down and we look set to resume in a matter of minutes. Kohli and his Bangalore side are getting a huddle.Â
UPDATE 2127 local (1557 GMT) - The start of the second innings has been delayed as there is a big sandstorm and it has gone dark. Hopefully, the storm settles soon and it is not a lengthy delay.Â
There is a massive sandstorm at the moment and it looks like we are in for a delay here. The players are around the dugout but everything here is blowing. The umpires have gathered and having a chat here. The visibility has gotten a bit better but the umpires cannot take the players out at this time and he has had a word with Kohli who is ready with his side around the dugout.
It looked like a good bowling effort but the last over has spoilt the overall effort of Delhi bowlers a bit. Pant's punt of bowling out Rabada and Avesh before the final over did not work in his favour. Avesh Khan and Ishant Sharma were excellent with the ball as the pair gave away 26 and 24 runs respectively and picked up one wicket each. Rabada was expensive in his 4 for a wicket. The spin duo of Axar and Mishra did well but went for over 8 rpo. Stoinis' last over was the most expensive over o
There is a big sandstorm at this point and that might make batting a bit more difficult. The pitch too has not looked very good to bat on but as they say never judge a pitch before both sides have batted on it. Delhi need 172 to win the game and extend their winning streak to 4. Kohli will hope his bowlers can do the job and defend this total and get back to winning ways and regain the top spot. Who will take the top spot? Join us for the chase in a while.
What a finish! AB de Villiers, take a bow! What a player he is. Just out of this world. 23 off the final over and on a pitch that has looked a bit slow and when it looked like 160 might be par, his excellent innings has ensured that Bangalore post in excess of 170!
One of the impressive bowlers for Delhi tonight, Ishant Sharma is down for an interview. He says that he is happy with his performance. Adds that wherever he wanted to bowl he executed it well. Mentions that he tries to bowl his basics right and executes his skills. Further says that 171 is chaseable if they get a good start. Ends by saying that there is sandstorm happening in the ground.
Marcus Stoinis to AB de Villiers, Full on off, de Villiers drives it past the bowler through mid off. The batsmen get a couple. BANGALORE END WITH 171/5!
Avesh Khan to AB de Villiers, NOT ! The ball had hit the ground first! Yorker on off, de Villiers digs it out towards the bowler where Avesh Khan takes the catch and claims it. The umpires want to check it. Replays show that the ball had hit the ground first and then went to the bowler.
Avesh Khan to AB de Villiers, Yorker on middle, de Villiers drives it through mid on for a single.
Marcus Stoinis to AB de Villiers, ! That is smashed! Short delivery outside off, de Villiers smashes it over covers for a biggie.
Marcus Stoinis to AB de Villiers, ! That is clobbered! Short delivery on middle, de Villiers pulls it over fine leg for a maximum.
Marcus Stoinis to AB de Villiers, Length delivery outside off, de Villiers shoulders arms to this one.
Marcus Stoinis to AB de Villiers, ! That is powered! Full delivery on off, de Villiers lofts it over long off for a maximum. It lands on the ropes on the full.
Marcus Stoinis to AB de Villiers, Short delivery outside off, de Villiers cuts it through point. The batsmen get two runs.
Marcus Stoinis to AB de Villiers, WIDE! Full and wide outside off, de Villiers leaves it alone.
Now then! Rabada has bowled out. Mishra has an over left, while Stoinis has not bowled tonight. Who will bowl the final over? Who will Pant turn to? It is going to be Marcus Stoinis who will bowl the final over of the innings.
Avesh Khan to AB de Villiers, Full on middle, de Villiers drives it through mid on for a single.
Avesh Khan to AB de Villiers, ! 50 for AB de Villiers! It has been a crucial innings from him. Short delivery on middle, de Villiers pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary.
Avesh Khan to Daniel Sams, Yorker on off, Sams digs it out towards covers for a single.
Avesh Khan to Daniel Sams, Slower delivery outside off, Sams drives it through mid off. The batsmen get two runs.
The umpires are getting together to have a check of the legitimacy of the catch. To the naked eye it looks like a bump call but let's see what the replays have to say.
Kagiso Rabada to Washington Sundar, ! CAUGHT! Rabada gets his first wicket! Short delivery on middle, Sundar looks to pull but gets a top edge. It goes high in the air where Rabada calls for it and takes a comfortable catch.
Former Delhi player, Daniel Sams walks out to bat.
Kagiso Rabada to AB de Villiers, Full on middle, de Villiers pushes it through mid on for a single.
Kagiso Rabada to AB de Villiers, ! That is hammered! Short ball on middle, de Villiers pulls it over mid-wicket for a maximum.
Kagiso Rabada to Washington Sundar, Short delivery on off, Sundar guides it towards third man for a run.
Kagiso Rabada to AB de Villiers, Full delivery on middle, de Villiers drives it through mid on for a single.
Kagiso Rabada to AB de Villiers, Yorker on middle, de Villiers digs it out through mid-wicket. The batsmen get two runs.
Avesh Khan to AB de Villiers, Short delivery on off, de Villiers punches it through point for a run.
Avesh Khan to Washington Sundar, Full delivery on off, Sundar drives it through covers for a single.
Avesh Khan to Washington Sundar, Back of a length on off, Sundar punches it to point.
Avesh Khan to AB de Villiers, Full on off, de Villiers lofts it over mid off for a single.
Avesh Khan to AB de Villiers, PLAY AND A MISS! Short delivery outside off, de Villiers looks to pull but misses it.
STRATEGIC TIME-! AB de Villiers holds the key for Bangalore here. The platform is set and the South African is well set now to spread his wings and end this innings with a grandstand finish. Washington Sundar too will need to join the party if Bangalore are to get a total in excess of 165. Delhi have done a decent job so far with the ball but can they finish the job with the ball? Avesh Khan to bowl post the time-out.
Avesh Khan to Washington Sundar, Length delivery on leg, Sundar flicks it towards fine leg for a single.
Kagiso Rabada to AB de Villiers, Overthrows and they get an extra run. Short ball around off, de Villiers dabs it to short third man. Washington calls for a run straightaway. The fielder has a shy at the keeper's end but misses. The backup is too far behind and they get the second too.
Kagiso Rabada to Washington Sundar, Length ball on off, Sundar taps it to cover for a run.
Kagiso Rabada to AB de Villiers, Now follows the boundary with a single towards cover.
Kagiso Rabada to AB de Villiers, ! Surgical precision from AB de Villiers. This is outrageous from de Villiers. Very full around off, it is almost a yorker. AB takes his front foot away and places it away from short third man and backward point for a boundary.Â
Kagiso Rabada to Washington Sundar, Good length delivery on middle and off. Sundar dabs it to third man for a single.Â
Kagiso Rabada to Washington Sundar, Full toss outside off. Sundar misses out on it as his drive is straight to the man at short extra cover.Â
Kagiso Rabada is back on.
Axar Patel continues.
Axar Patel to Washington Sundar, Shorter on off, Sundar nudges it through the cow corner region and keeps the strike with a single. Axar finishes with 1/33 from his 4.Â
Washington Sundar is the new batsman in.
Axar Patel to Rajat Patidar, ! CAUGHT! A fine innings from Rajat Patidar comes to an end. He mistimed a shot earlier in this over and was lucky that it did not carry to Smith at long on but this time his luck runs out. Short around off, Patidar looks to smack it over long on but once again he does not adjust well to the length of this delivery. He mistimes it and hits it to the right of long on. Steven Smith in the deep has been excellent tonight. He runs to his right and in front and
Axar Patel to AB de Villiers, Follows the biggie with a gentle single to long on.
Axar Patel to AB de Villiers, ! BOOM! AB de Villiers crosses the 5000 run mark in the league in style! What a shot this is from de Villiers! Floated on off, de Villiers goes downtown and smacks it over long off for a biggie.
Axar Patel to Rajat Patidar, Shorter on off, Patidar swings but mistimes it. It goes to Smith at long on on a bounce. Single taken.
Axar Patel to AB de Villiers, Floated on middle, de Villiers drives it to long off for one.Â
Ishant Sharma to Rajat Patidar, Short again on middle, Patidar pulls it through mid-wicket. The batsmen get a couple.
Ishant Sharma to Rajat Patidar, ! That is clobbered! Short delivery on leg, Patidar pulls it over square leg for a maximum.
Ishant Sharma to AB de Villiers, Full on off, de Villiers lofts it over point for a single.
Ishant Sharma to AB de Villiers, Full delivery on off, de Villiers drives it to covers.
Ishant Sharma to Rajat Patidar, Back of a length on middle, Patidar comes forward and punches it through mid on for a run.
Ishant Sharma to AB de Villiers, Full delivery on middle, de Villiers flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.
Bowling change. Ishant Sharma to bowl out.
Axar Patel to AB de Villiers, Quicker delivery on off, de Villiers pushes it through mid off for a single.
Axar Patel to AB de Villiers, On off, de Villiers pushes it through mid off. The batsmen get two runs.
Axar Patel to Rajat Patidar, Flighted delivery on middle, Patidar pushes it through mid on for a single.
Axar Patel to AB de Villiers, Floated delivery on off, de Villiers comes down the track and pushes it through mid off for a single.
Axar Patel to AB de Villiers, Tossed up delivery on middle, de Villiers flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen get a couple.
Axar Patel to AB de Villiers, Loopy delivery on middle, de Villiers pushes it back towards the bowler.
Kagiso Rabada to Rajat Patidar, Short of a length delivery on off, Patidar looks to fend at it but gets a leading edge. It lands safely towards point where it falls short of Smith.
Kagiso Rabada to AB de Villiers, Good length delivery on middle, de Villiers flicks it through mid-wicket for a run.
Kagiso Rabada to AB de Villiers, ! Cracking shot! Short delivery outside off, de Villiers punches it through covers for a boundary.
Kagiso Rabada to AB de Villiers, Good length delivery outside off, de Villiers punches it to mid off.
Kagiso Rabada to Rajat Patidar, On a length on middle, Patidar flicks it towards mid-wicket for a quick single. The fielder fires a direct hit at the bowler's end.
Direct hit but no excitement from the Delhi players. That indicates Rajat Patidar is in.
Kagiso Rabada to Rajat Patidar, Length delivery on middle, Patidar flicks it through square leg. The batsmen get two runs.
Change in bowling. Kagiso Rabada is called back into the attack for his second over.
Amit Mishra to Rajat Patidar, On middle, Patidar pushes it through mid on for a single.
Amit Mishra to AB de Villiers, Tossed up ball on off, de Villiers drives it through mid off for a run.
Amit Mishra to Rajat Patidar, Loopy delivery on middle, Patidar pushes it through mid on for a single.
Amit Mishra to Rajat Patidar, ! That is powered! Floated delivery on middle, Patidar lofts it over long on for a maximum.
Amit Mishra to AB de Villiers, Tossed up delivery on off, de Villiers pushes it towards point for a run.
Amit Mishra to Rajat Patidar, Floated delivery on off, Patidar pushes it through mid off for a single.
Axar Patel to AB de Villiers, Short and outside off, de Villiers punches it through covers for a couple.
Axar Patel to Rajat Patidar, Full delivery on off, Patidar pushes it through mid off for a single.
Axar Patel to AB de Villiers, Short delivery on middle, de Villiers punches it through mid on for a single.
Axar Patel to AB de Villiers, Floated delivery on off, de Villiers pushes it back towards the bowler.
Axar Patel to Rajat Patidar, Flighted delivery on middle, Patidar drives it through mid on for a run.
Axar Patel to AB de Villiers, Short delivery on off, de Villiers punches it towards covers for a quick single.
Amit Mishra to AB de Villiers, On off, de Villiers pushes it through mid off for a single.
Amit Mishra to AB de Villiers, Tossed up ball on middle, de Villiers looks to flick but gets hit on the thigh pad.
Amit Mishra to Rajat Patidar, Loopy delivery on middle, Patidar flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.
STRATEGIC TIME-! Delhi has got the big wicket of Glenn Maxwell and are bowling well here. Ishant Sharma has looked good today as he got Padikkal's wicket. On the other hand, Bangalore started well but lost Kohli early. Padikkal also did not last long as he was bowled by Ishant Sharma. Maxwell and Patidar started building a partnership but they lost Maxwell just before the break.
Amit Mishra to Glenn Maxwell, ! CAUGHT! Mishra gets the better of Maxwell for the fifth time and Delhi are well on top of this game now. Maxwell was looking to go after Mishra. The experienced Indian shows smartness as he bowls it slower and tosses it up wide outside off. Maxwell looks to hit it to the on side. He is made to stretch out for it. He does not get enough in his slog and hits it straight to long on. Steven Smith there makes no mistakes and takes a simple catch.Â
Amit Mishra to Glenn Maxwell, Flighted delivery on middle, Maxwell looks to sweep but gets it off the inner half of the bat. It goes through mid-wicket. The batsmen get two runs.
Amit Mishra to Rajat Patidar, Tossed up delivery on middle, Patidar sweeps it through mid-wicket for a single.
Axar Patel to Rajat Patidar, Flighted delivery on middle, Patidar flicks it through mid-wicket for a run.
Axar Patel to Glenn Maxwell, On middle, Maxwell looks to flick but gets a leading edge. It goes towards the bowler where it falls short of Axar Patel. The ball goes through him. The batsmen take a single.
Axar Patel to Glenn Maxwell, ! That is clobbered! Tossed up delivery on middle, Maxwell plays a slog sweep over mid-wicket for a maximum.
Axar Patel to Glenn Maxwell, Loopy delivery on leg, Maxwell looks to flick but gets hit on the pads.
Axar Patel to Glenn Maxwell, Floated delivery on middle, Maxwell flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen get two runs.
Axar Patel to Glenn Maxwell, Flighted delivery on off, Maxwell drives it to mid off.
Amit Mishra to Glenn Maxwell, Short delivery on off, Maxwell cuts it through point for a run. 11 runs from the over!
Amit Mishra to Glenn Maxwell, ! That is smashed! Tossed up delivery on off, Maxwell lofts it over long off for a maximum.
Amit Mishra to Rajat Patidar, Full on off, Patidar drives it through mid off for a single.
Amit Mishra to Glenn Maxwell, Short delivery outside off, Maxwell cuts it through point for a run.
Amit Mishra to Rajat Patidar, Flighted delivery on off, Patidar pushes it through covers for a single.
Amit Mishra to Glenn Maxwell, Tossed up delivery on off, Maxwell drives it towards mid off for a single.
Oh no! Amit Mishra has been warned as he has been caught using saliva on the ball.Â
Change in bowling as Amit Mishra is introduced into the attack
Avesh Khan to Rajat Patidar, Length delivery on off, Patidar runs it down to short third man. He wanted a single but Maxwell denies him. End of the Powerplay and a very good one for Delhi. Bangalore started off well but with the score at 36/2, the first phase of the innings has clearly belonged to Delhi.
Avesh Khan to Glenn Maxwell, Off the cue end! Fullish around off, Maxwell hits it off the toe end of the bat to the left of mid on for one.Â
Avesh Khan to Glenn Maxwell, Length ball outside off, Maxwell punches it to cover.Â
Avesh Khan to Glenn Maxwell, Good length ball around off, Maxwell blocks it.
Avesh Khan to Glenn Maxwell, ! CRUNCHED! Maxwell finally gets off the mark and does so in style! Length ball around off, Maxwell gets on top of the bounce and crunches his punch through covers for a boundary.Â
Avesh Khan to Rajat Patidar, Good length delivery angling in to Patidar. He tucks it to the leg side and takes a single to get off the mark.
Ishant Sharma to Glenn Maxwell, Wicket maiden! Terrific from Ishant Sharma. What a comeback he has had in this side. 3-1-15-1, his numbers so far. The last ball is a slower one around off, Maxwell drives it straight to Shaw at short cover-point.
Ishant Sharma to Glenn Maxwell, Leg cutter from Ishant! It is on middle, Maxwell drives it straight back to the bowler. Ishant gets his hands to it but cannot stop it. Gets enough hand to take the pace off the ball and deny them a single.
Ishant Sharma to Glenn Maxwell, Slapped but straight to the fielder. Length ball wide outside off, Maxwell slams his punch but finds Shaw at short cover-point.Â
Ishant Sharma to Glenn Maxwell, Length ball on middle, Maxi blocks it towards mid on.
Ishant Sharma to Devdutt Padikkal, ! BOWLED! Back-to-back wickets for Delhi as Padikkal follows his skipper in the dugout. Both the openers are out of here for Bangalore and this Powerplay which was being painted in the red and black of Bangalore is being overshadowed by the blue of Delhi. Fabulous delivery from Ishant! Good length delivery that pitches around off. Padikkal looks to defend thinking it to move away from him. But this ball pitches and jags back in. Padikkal misses his defe
Ishant Sharma to Glenn Maxwell, Full ball around off, Maxwell drives it but finds cover inside the circle.
Glenn Maxwell is the new batsman in.
Rajat Patidar is the new batsman in.
Avesh Khan to Virat Kohli, ! CHOPPED ON! Avesh Khan's extra delivery does him good as he has struck gold with it. Kohli is visibly disappointed as he sees his off stump go for a toss. Huge wicket for Avesh as he finishes his first over by sending the Bangalore skipper back to the dugout. Good length ball outside off, Kohli looks to play it fine down to third man. He did it earlier in this over but this ball was too close for Super V to do that. The ball takes the inside edge and goes on
Avesh Khan to Virat Kohli, WIDE! Avesh misses his line and bowls one down the leg side. Kohli looks to flick but it is still way outside his reach.
Avesh Khan to Virat Kohli, Another cry of anguish from Virat! Full around off, in the arc for Kohli to play his trademark cover drive. He though mistimes it and plays it to the mat at short cover.
Avesh Khan to Virat Kohli, A 145.1 kph bouncer outside off from Avesh Khan! Kohli looks to upper cut it over the keeper's head but misses and lets out a huge grunt.Â
Avesh Khan to Virat Kohli, Fuller on off, Kohli pushes it to mid off.
Avesh Khan to Virat Kohli, ! Deft from Kohli! Did not try to hit it hard just placed it to perfection. Not a lot wrong in this delivery. It is on a length around off, Kohli just places it fine away from Pant and away from third man for a boundary.Â
Ishant Sharma to Virat Kohli, Direct hit and Kohli might have been in trouble. Slower ball on off, Kohli glances it towards mid on and calls for a quick run. He charges to the other end. Rabada at mid on, gets the ball and has a shy at the bowler's end but misses.Â
Avesh Khan to Virat Kohli, Avesh starts with a fuller ball on off, Kohli blocks it.Â
Avesh Khan is into the attack.
Ishant Sharma to Devdutt Padikkal, Length ball around off, Padikkal taps it to backward point for one.
Ishant Sharma to Devdutt Padikkal, ! Crunched! Shortish ball on middle and leg, Padikkal gets in position quickly and pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary.
Ishant Sharma to Devdutt Padikkal, HIGH IN THE AIR AND SAFE! Once again Ishant takes pace off the ball. Padikkal comes down the track and looks to go downtown. He mistimes it badly, the ball goes very, very high in the sky. Axar Patel circles around it but cannot settle as he runs behind. Axar misjudges it as the ball falls away from him. Padikkal comes back for the second. Tough chance as Axar is a brilliant fielder.
Ishant Sharma to Devdutt Padikkal, Appeal for caught behind but the umpire is unmoved. Delhi do not review it either. Slower ball but down the leg side. Padikkal looks to flick but misses as the ball kisses the pad and goes to the keeper.Â
Ishant Sharma to Virat Kohli, Good length delivery around off, Kohli dabs it to third man for one.
Kagiso Rabada to Virat Kohli, Misfield and they get a run! Fuller on off, Kohli pushes it to mid off. Kohli says no to the run but Avesh Khan there misfields allowing them to take the run.
Kagiso Rabada to Virat Kohli, ! What a shot! That is right of the meat! Super V looks in the mood tonight! Fullish ball on off and middle, Kohli flicks it and shows his lovely wrist work and gets it through mid-wicket for a boundary.
Kagiso Rabada to Devdutt Padikkal, Full toss around off and there is some inswing to the southpaw. Padikkal gets his bat a fraction late. Luckily he gets an inside edge which sees the ball go to fine leg for one.
Kagiso Rabada to Devdutt Padikkal, Full and outside off, Padikkal swings but connects with nothing.Â
Kagiso Rabada to Devdutt Padikkal, ! Fantastic shot from Padikkal! Pacy ball pitching on middle and off and coming back in. Padikkal flicks it as he closes the face of the bat in the last minute and wrists it through backward square leg for a boundary.
Kagiso Rabada to Devdutt Padikkal, Rabada starts with a length ball on the pads, Padikkal looks to flick but misses and gets hit high on the pad. Rabada appeals but the umpire is not keen.
Kagiso Rabada to bowl from the other end.
Ishant Sharma to Devdutt Padikkal, Inside edge and a single to end the over. Good length delivery on off, this one nips back in to the southpaw. Padikkal looks to defend but it takes the inside edge and goes behind square leg. Padikkal takes a single and keeps the strike. Tidy start from Delhi. Just 6 off the first over.
Ishant Sharma to Devdutt Padikkal, Better from Ishant! Good length ball around off, this shapes away from Padikkal once again. He looks to dab it to third man but misses.Â
Ishant Sharma to Devdutt Padikkal, ! Padikkal is off the mark! A poor ball from Ishant Sharma and is rightfully punished! Too full around off, gives Padikkal the width to free his arm. He slaps it over point and gets a boundary.
Ishant Sharma to Devdutt Padikkal, Another good ball! An immaculate seam position from Ishant. Bowls it in the channel of uncertainty around off, Padikkal looks to have a poke at it. The ball shapes away from Padikkal and squares him up.
Ishant Sharma to Devdutt Padikkal, Good and much better from Ishant! Hits the good length area around off and makes the ball shape away from the southpaw. Devdutt Padikkal keeps his eyes on the ball and leaves it alone.
Ishant Sharma to Virat Kohli, Kohli and Bangalore are off the mark straightaway! Poor ball from Ishant but there is protection in the deep! Full and coming in to the right-hander. Kohli flicks it right off the meat but there is deep square leg. Just a single.
We are all set for the action to begin! The two umpires make their way out to the middle. The Delhi players are in a huddle with their young skipper, Rishabh Pant having final words of motivation before his troops disperse on the field. Bangalore skipper, Virat Kohli strides out with the young and talented southpaw, Devdutt Padikkal to open the innings. The experienced, Ishant Sharma takes the new ball first up in his first game of the season.
Bangalore (Playing XI) - Virat Kohli (C), Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (IN FOR NAVDEEP SAINI), Glenn Maxwell, AB de Villiers (WK), Washington Sundar, Daniel Sams (IN FOR DAN CHRISTIAN), Kyle Jamieson, Harshal Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mohammed Siraj.
Delhi (Playing XI) - Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant (WK/C), Steven Smith, Shimron Hetmyer, Marcus Stoinis, Axar Patel, Amit Mishra, Kagiso Rabada, Ishant Sharma (IN FOR RAVICHANDRAN ASHWIN), Avesh Khan.
Bangalore skipper, Virat Kohli, says that they would have bowled first as well. But adds there was dew in the first innings in the last game too. Tells it is about laying foundation and then go hard at the back end. Kohli says it is an important game and tells they need to keep the focus and stay with the plan. Kohli informs there are a couple of changes in his side. Tells Saini and Christian make way for Rajat Patidar which gives them more depth in batting and Sams comes in.
Rishabh Pant, Delhi skipper, says that they will bowl first. Adds that the wicket is dry and dew will come. Informs that they have one change as Ishant Sharma comes in for Ravichandran Ashwin. Further says that Ishant Sharma has been bowling well in nets.
TOSS - We are all set for the coin flip. Delhi captain, Rishabh Pant is out in the middle joined by Bangalore skipper, Virat Kohli. Pant has the coin in hand. Up it goes. Kohli calls incorrectly. DELHI OPT TO BOWL!
Hello and welcome to game number 22 as Delhi takes on Bangalore. Both sides played their last game on Sunday with contrasting results. Bangalore's winning start to the season came to an end as Chennai pulled the handbrake on Bangalore's cruising start. Kohli and his troops will be hoping to bounce back from that loss and will be desperate to get back to winning ways and prove that loss was just a blip. Pant's Delhi come to Ahmedabad high on confidence as they survived a huge scare and managed to
Kagiso Rabada is down for an interview. He starts by saying that the team is playing good cricket. Adds that both batsmen and bowler are becoming smart nowadays. Mentions that he relies on his yorkers as it is his strength. Further says that Avesh Khan is doing well and he is a good future for India.
PITCH REPORT - Sunil Gavaskar is the pitch master from distance. Gavaskar says that there will be turn tonight as well. Tells there are some marks on the pitch. Gavaskar adds that hitting spinners will be difficult.Â
We are finally back for the chase! The sandstorm has gone and we are back with cricketing action. Bangalore players are in a huddle with skipper, Virat Kohli having a word with his players before they take the field.Â
Update 2130 local (1600 GMT) - Good news! It looks like the storm has calmed down and we look set to resume in a matter of minutes. Kohli and his Bangalore side are getting a huddle.Â
UPDATE 2127 local (1557 GMT) - The start of the second innings has been delayed as there is a big sandstorm and it has gone dark. Hopefully, the storm settles soon and it is not a lengthy delay.Â
There is a massive sandstorm at the moment and it looks like we are in for a delay here. The players are around the dugout but everything here is blowing. The umpires have gathered and having a chat here. The visibility has gotten a bit better but the umpires cannot take the players out at this time and he has had a word with Kohli who is ready with his side around the dugout.
It looked like a good bowling effort but the last over has spoilt the overall effort of Delhi bowlers a bit. Pant's punt of bowling out Rabada and Avesh before the final over did not work in his favour. Avesh Khan and Ishant Sharma were excellent with the ball as the pair gave away 26 and 24 runs respectively and picked up one wicket each. Rabada was expensive in his 4 for a wicket. The spin duo of Axar and Mishra did well but went for over 8 rpo. Stoinis' last over was the most expensive over o
There is a big sandstorm at this point and that might make batting a bit more difficult. The pitch too has not looked very good to bat on but as they say never judge a pitch before both sides have batted on it. Delhi need 172 to win the game and extend their winning streak to 4. Kohli will hope his bowlers can do the job and defend this total and get back to winning ways and regain the top spot. Who will take the top spot? Join us for the chase in a while.
What a finish! AB de Villiers, take a bow! What a player he is. Just out of this world. 23 off the final over and on a pitch that has looked a bit slow and when it looked like 160 might be par, his excellent innings has ensured that Bangalore post in excess of 170!
One of the impressive bowlers for Delhi tonight, Ishant Sharma is down for an interview. He says that he is happy with his performance. Adds that wherever he wanted to bowl he executed it well. Mentions that he tries to bowl his basics right and executes his skills. Further says that 171 is chaseable if they get a good start. Ends by saying that there is sandstorm happening in the ground.
Marcus Stoinis to AB de Villiers, Full on off, de Villiers drives it past the bowler through mid off. The batsmen get a couple. BANGALORE END WITH 171/5!
Avesh Khan to AB de Villiers, NOT ! The ball had hit the ground first! Yorker on off, de Villiers digs it out towards the bowler where Avesh Khan takes the catch and claims it. The umpires want to check it. Replays show that the ball had hit the ground first and then went to the bowler.
Avesh Khan to AB de Villiers, Yorker on middle, de Villiers drives it through mid on for a single.
Marcus Stoinis to AB de Villiers, ! That is smashed! Short delivery outside off, de Villiers smashes it over covers for a biggie.
Marcus Stoinis to AB de Villiers, ! That is clobbered! Short delivery on middle, de Villiers pulls it over fine leg for a maximum.
Marcus Stoinis to AB de Villiers, Length delivery outside off, de Villiers shoulders arms to this one.
Marcus Stoinis to AB de Villiers, ! That is powered! Full delivery on off, de Villiers lofts it over long off for a maximum. It lands on the ropes on the full.
Marcus Stoinis to AB de Villiers, Short delivery outside off, de Villiers cuts it through point. The batsmen get two runs.
Marcus Stoinis to AB de Villiers, WIDE! Full and wide outside off, de Villiers leaves it alone.
Now then! Rabada has bowled out. Mishra has an over left, while Stoinis has not bowled tonight. Who will bowl the final over? Who will Pant turn to? It is going to be Marcus Stoinis who will bowl the final over of the innings.
Avesh Khan to AB de Villiers, Full on middle, de Villiers drives it through mid on for a single.
Avesh Khan to AB de Villiers, ! 50 for AB de Villiers! It has been a crucial innings from him. Short delivery on middle, de Villiers pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary.
Avesh Khan to Daniel Sams, Yorker on off, Sams digs it out towards covers for a single.
Avesh Khan to Daniel Sams, Slower delivery outside off, Sams drives it through mid off. The batsmen get two runs.
The umpires are getting together to have a check of the legitimacy of the catch. To the naked eye it looks like a bump call but let's see what the replays have to say.
Kagiso Rabada to Washington Sundar, ! CAUGHT! Rabada gets his first wicket! Short delivery on middle, Sundar looks to pull but gets a top edge. It goes high in the air where Rabada calls for it and takes a comfortable catch.
Former Delhi player, Daniel Sams walks out to bat.
Kagiso Rabada to AB de Villiers, Full on middle, de Villiers pushes it through mid on for a single.
Kagiso Rabada to AB de Villiers, ! That is hammered! Short ball on middle, de Villiers pulls it over mid-wicket for a maximum.
Kagiso Rabada to Washington Sundar, Short delivery on off, Sundar guides it towards third man for a run.
Kagiso Rabada to AB de Villiers, Full delivery on middle, de Villiers drives it through mid on for a single.
Kagiso Rabada to AB de Villiers, Yorker on middle, de Villiers digs it out through mid-wicket. The batsmen get two runs.
Avesh Khan to AB de Villiers, Short delivery on off, de Villiers punches it through point for a run.
Avesh Khan to Washington Sundar, Full delivery on off, Sundar drives it through covers for a single.
Avesh Khan to Washington Sundar, Back of a length on off, Sundar punches it to point.
Avesh Khan to AB de Villiers, Full on off, de Villiers lofts it over mid off for a single.
Avesh Khan to AB de Villiers, PLAY AND A MISS! Short delivery outside off, de Villiers looks to pull but misses it.
STRATEGIC TIME-! AB de Villiers holds the key for Bangalore here. The platform is set and the South African is well set now to spread his wings and end this innings with a grandstand finish. Washington Sundar too will need to join the party if Bangalore are to get a total in excess of 165. Delhi have done a decent job so far with the ball but can they finish the job with the ball? Avesh Khan to bowl post the time-out.
Avesh Khan to Washington Sundar, Length delivery on leg, Sundar flicks it towards fine leg for a single.
Kagiso Rabada to AB de Villiers, Overthrows and they get an extra run. Short ball around off, de Villiers dabs it to short third man. Washington calls for a run straightaway. The fielder has a shy at the keeper's end but misses. The backup is too far behind and they get the second too.
Kagiso Rabada to Washington Sundar, Length ball on off, Sundar taps it to cover for a run.
Kagiso Rabada to AB de Villiers, Now follows the boundary with a single towards cover.
Kagiso Rabada to AB de Villiers, ! Surgical precision from AB de Villiers. This is outrageous from de Villiers. Very full around off, it is almost a yorker. AB takes his front foot away and places it away from short third man and backward point for a boundary.Â
Kagiso Rabada to Washington Sundar, Good length delivery on middle and off. Sundar dabs it to third man for a single.Â
Kagiso Rabada to Washington Sundar, Full toss outside off. Sundar misses out on it as his drive is straight to the man at short extra cover.Â
Kagiso Rabada is back on.
Axar Patel continues.
Axar Patel to Washington Sundar, Shorter on off, Sundar nudges it through the cow corner region and keeps the strike with a single. Axar finishes with 1/33 from his 4.Â
Washington Sundar is the new batsman in.
Axar Patel to Rajat Patidar, ! CAUGHT! A fine innings from Rajat Patidar comes to an end. He mistimed a shot earlier in this over and was lucky that it did not carry to Smith at long on but this time his luck runs out. Short around off, Patidar looks to smack it over long on but once again he does not adjust well to the length of this delivery. He mistimes it and hits it to the right of long on. Steven Smith in the deep has been excellent tonight. He runs to his right and in front and
Axar Patel to AB de Villiers, Follows the biggie with a gentle single to long on.
Axar Patel to AB de Villiers, ! BOOM! AB de Villiers crosses the 5000 run mark in the league in style! What a shot this is from de Villiers! Floated on off, de Villiers goes downtown and smacks it over long off for a biggie.
Axar Patel to Rajat Patidar, Shorter on off, Patidar swings but mistimes it. It goes to Smith at long on on a bounce. Single taken.
Axar Patel to AB de Villiers, Floated on middle, de Villiers drives it to long off for one.Â
Ishant Sharma to Rajat Patidar, Short again on middle, Patidar pulls it through mid-wicket. The batsmen get a couple.
Ishant Sharma to Rajat Patidar, ! That is clobbered! Short delivery on leg, Patidar pulls it over square leg for a maximum.
Ishant Sharma to AB de Villiers, Full on off, de Villiers lofts it over point for a single.
Ishant Sharma to AB de Villiers, Full delivery on off, de Villiers drives it to covers.
Ishant Sharma to Rajat Patidar, Back of a length on middle, Patidar comes forward and punches it through mid on for a run.
Ishant Sharma to AB de Villiers, Full delivery on middle, de Villiers flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.
Bowling change. Ishant Sharma to bowl out.
Axar Patel to AB de Villiers, Quicker delivery on off, de Villiers pushes it through mid off for a single.
Axar Patel to AB de Villiers, On off, de Villiers pushes it through mid off. The batsmen get two runs.
Axar Patel to Rajat Patidar, Flighted delivery on middle, Patidar pushes it through mid on for a single.
Axar Patel to AB de Villiers, Floated delivery on off, de Villiers comes down the track and pushes it through mid off for a single.
Axar Patel to AB de Villiers, Tossed up delivery on middle, de Villiers flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen get a couple.
Axar Patel to AB de Villiers, Loopy delivery on middle, de Villiers pushes it back towards the bowler.
Kagiso Rabada to Rajat Patidar, Short of a length delivery on off, Patidar looks to fend at it but gets a leading edge. It lands safely towards point where it falls short of Smith.
Kagiso Rabada to AB de Villiers, Good length delivery on middle, de Villiers flicks it through mid-wicket for a run.
Kagiso Rabada to AB de Villiers, ! Cracking shot! Short delivery outside off, de Villiers punches it through covers for a boundary.
Kagiso Rabada to AB de Villiers, Good length delivery outside off, de Villiers punches it to mid off.
Kagiso Rabada to Rajat Patidar, On a length on middle, Patidar flicks it towards mid-wicket for a quick single. The fielder fires a direct hit at the bowler's end.
Direct hit but no excitement from the Delhi players. That indicates Rajat Patidar is in.
Kagiso Rabada to Rajat Patidar, Length delivery on middle, Patidar flicks it through square leg. The batsmen get two runs.
Change in bowling. Kagiso Rabada is called back into the attack for his second over.
Amit Mishra to Rajat Patidar, On middle, Patidar pushes it through mid on for a single.
Amit Mishra to AB de Villiers, Tossed up ball on off, de Villiers drives it through mid off for a run.
Amit Mishra to Rajat Patidar, Loopy delivery on middle, Patidar pushes it through mid on for a single.
Amit Mishra to Rajat Patidar, ! That is powered! Floated delivery on middle, Patidar lofts it over long on for a maximum.
Amit Mishra to AB de Villiers, Tossed up delivery on off, de Villiers pushes it towards point for a run.
Amit Mishra to Rajat Patidar, Floated delivery on off, Patidar pushes it through mid off for a single.
Axar Patel to AB de Villiers, Short and outside off, de Villiers punches it through covers for a couple.
Axar Patel to Rajat Patidar, Full delivery on off, Patidar pushes it through mid off for a single.
Axar Patel to AB de Villiers, Short delivery on middle, de Villiers punches it through mid on for a single.
Axar Patel to AB de Villiers, Floated delivery on off, de Villiers pushes it back towards the bowler.
Axar Patel to Rajat Patidar, Flighted delivery on middle, Patidar drives it through mid on for a run.
Axar Patel to AB de Villiers, Short delivery on off, de Villiers punches it towards covers for a quick single.
Amit Mishra to AB de Villiers, On off, de Villiers pushes it through mid off for a single.
Amit Mishra to AB de Villiers, Tossed up ball on middle, de Villiers looks to flick but gets hit on the thigh pad.
Amit Mishra to Rajat Patidar, Loopy delivery on middle, Patidar flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.
STRATEGIC TIME-! Delhi has got the big wicket of Glenn Maxwell and are bowling well here. Ishant Sharma has looked good today as he got Padikkal's wicket. On the other hand, Bangalore started well but lost Kohli early. Padikkal also did not last long as he was bowled by Ishant Sharma. Maxwell and Patidar started building a partnership but they lost Maxwell just before the break.
Amit Mishra to Glenn Maxwell, ! CAUGHT! Mishra gets the better of Maxwell for the fifth time and Delhi are well on top of this game now. Maxwell was looking to go after Mishra. The experienced Indian shows smartness as he bowls it slower and tosses it up wide outside off. Maxwell looks to hit it to the on side. He is made to stretch out for it. He does not get enough in his slog and hits it straight to long on. Steven Smith there makes no mistakes and takes a simple catch.Â
Amit Mishra to Glenn Maxwell, Flighted delivery on middle, Maxwell looks to sweep but gets it off the inner half of the bat. It goes through mid-wicket. The batsmen get two runs.
Amit Mishra to Rajat Patidar, Tossed up delivery on middle, Patidar sweeps it through mid-wicket for a single.
Axar Patel to Rajat Patidar, Flighted delivery on middle, Patidar flicks it through mid-wicket for a run.
Axar Patel to Glenn Maxwell, On middle, Maxwell looks to flick but gets a leading edge. It goes towards the bowler where it falls short of Axar Patel. The ball goes through him. The batsmen take a single.
Axar Patel to Glenn Maxwell, ! That is clobbered! Tossed up delivery on middle, Maxwell plays a slog sweep over mid-wicket for a maximum.
Axar Patel to Glenn Maxwell, Loopy delivery on leg, Maxwell looks to flick but gets hit on the pads.
Axar Patel to Glenn Maxwell, Floated delivery on middle, Maxwell flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen get two runs.
Axar Patel to Glenn Maxwell, Flighted delivery on off, Maxwell drives it to mid off.
Amit Mishra to Glenn Maxwell, Short delivery on off, Maxwell cuts it through point for a run. 11 runs from the over!
Amit Mishra to Glenn Maxwell, ! That is smashed! Tossed up delivery on off, Maxwell lofts it over long off for a maximum.
Amit Mishra to Rajat Patidar, Full on off, Patidar drives it through mid off for a single.
Amit Mishra to Glenn Maxwell, Short delivery outside off, Maxwell cuts it through point for a run.
Amit Mishra to Rajat Patidar, Flighted delivery on off, Patidar pushes it through covers for a single.
Amit Mishra to Glenn Maxwell, Tossed up delivery on off, Maxwell drives it towards mid off for a single.
Oh no! Amit Mishra has been warned as he has been caught using saliva on the ball.Â
Change in bowling as Amit Mishra is introduced into the attack
Avesh Khan to Rajat Patidar, Length delivery on off, Patidar runs it down to short third man. He wanted a single but Maxwell denies him. End of the Powerplay and a very good one for Delhi. Bangalore started off well but with the score at 36/2, the first phase of the innings has clearly belonged to Delhi.
Avesh Khan to Glenn Maxwell, Off the cue end! Fullish around off, Maxwell hits it off the toe end of the bat to the left of mid on for one.Â
Avesh Khan to Glenn Maxwell, Length ball outside off, Maxwell punches it to cover.Â
Avesh Khan to Glenn Maxwell, Good length ball around off, Maxwell blocks it.
Avesh Khan to Glenn Maxwell, ! CRUNCHED! Maxwell finally gets off the mark and does so in style! Length ball around off, Maxwell gets on top of the bounce and crunches his punch through covers for a boundary.Â
Avesh Khan to Rajat Patidar, Good length delivery angling in to Patidar. He tucks it to the leg side and takes a single to get off the mark.
Ishant Sharma to Glenn Maxwell, Wicket maiden! Terrific from Ishant Sharma. What a comeback he has had in this side. 3-1-15-1, his numbers so far. The last ball is a slower one around off, Maxwell drives it straight to Shaw at short cover-point.
Ishant Sharma to Glenn Maxwell, Leg cutter from Ishant! It is on middle, Maxwell drives it straight back to the bowler. Ishant gets his hands to it but cannot stop it. Gets enough hand to take the pace off the ball and deny them a single.
Ishant Sharma to Glenn Maxwell, Slapped but straight to the fielder. Length ball wide outside off, Maxwell slams his punch but finds Shaw at short cover-point.Â
Ishant Sharma to Glenn Maxwell, Length ball on middle, Maxi blocks it towards mid on.
Ishant Sharma to Devdutt Padikkal, ! BOWLED! Back-to-back wickets for Delhi as Padikkal follows his skipper in the dugout. Both the openers are out of here for Bangalore and this Powerplay which was being painted in the red and black of Bangalore is being overshadowed by the blue of Delhi. Fabulous delivery from Ishant! Good length delivery that pitches around off. Padikkal looks to defend thinking it to move away from him. But this ball pitches and jags back in. Padikkal misses his defe
Ishant Sharma to Glenn Maxwell, Full ball around off, Maxwell drives it but finds cover inside the circle.
Glenn Maxwell is the new batsman in.
Rajat Patidar is the new batsman in.
Avesh Khan to Virat Kohli, ! CHOPPED ON! Avesh Khan's extra delivery does him good as he has struck gold with it. Kohli is visibly disappointed as he sees his off stump go for a toss. Huge wicket for Avesh as he finishes his first over by sending the Bangalore skipper back to the dugout. Good length ball outside off, Kohli looks to play it fine down to third man. He did it earlier in this over but this ball was too close for Super V to do that. The ball takes the inside edge and goes on
Avesh Khan to Virat Kohli, WIDE! Avesh misses his line and bowls one down the leg side. Kohli looks to flick but it is still way outside his reach.
Avesh Khan to Virat Kohli, Another cry of anguish from Virat! Full around off, in the arc for Kohli to play his trademark cover drive. He though mistimes it and plays it to the mat at short cover.
Avesh Khan to Virat Kohli, A 145.1 kph bouncer outside off from Avesh Khan! Kohli looks to upper cut it over the keeper's head but misses and lets out a huge grunt.Â
Avesh Khan to Virat Kohli, Fuller on off, Kohli pushes it to mid off.
Avesh Khan to Virat Kohli, ! Deft from Kohli! Did not try to hit it hard just placed it to perfection. Not a lot wrong in this delivery. It is on a length around off, Kohli just places it fine away from Pant and away from third man for a boundary.Â
Ishant Sharma to Virat Kohli, Direct hit and Kohli might have been in trouble. Slower ball on off, Kohli glances it towards mid on and calls for a quick run. He charges to the other end. Rabada at mid on, gets the ball and has a shy at the bowler's end but misses.Â
Avesh Khan to Virat Kohli, Avesh starts with a fuller ball on off, Kohli blocks it.Â
Avesh Khan is into the attack.
Ishant Sharma to Devdutt Padikkal, Length ball around off, Padikkal taps it to backward point for one.
Ishant Sharma to Devdutt Padikkal, ! Crunched! Shortish ball on middle and leg, Padikkal gets in position quickly and pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary.
Ishant Sharma to Devdutt Padikkal, HIGH IN THE AIR AND SAFE! Once again Ishant takes pace off the ball. Padikkal comes down the track and looks to go downtown. He mistimes it badly, the ball goes very, very high in the sky. Axar Patel circles around it but cannot settle as he runs behind. Axar misjudges it as the ball falls away from him. Padikkal comes back for the second. Tough chance as Axar is a brilliant fielder.
Ishant Sharma to Devdutt Padikkal, Appeal for caught behind but the umpire is unmoved. Delhi do not review it either. Slower ball but down the leg side. Padikkal looks to flick but misses as the ball kisses the pad and goes to the keeper.Â
Ishant Sharma to Virat Kohli, Good length delivery around off, Kohli dabs it to third man for one.
Kagiso Rabada to Virat Kohli, Misfield and they get a run! Fuller on off, Kohli pushes it to mid off. Kohli says no to the run but Avesh Khan there misfields allowing them to take the run.
Kagiso Rabada to Virat Kohli, ! What a shot! That is right of the meat! Super V looks in the mood tonight! Fullish ball on off and middle, Kohli flicks it and shows his lovely wrist work and gets it through mid-wicket for a boundary.
Kagiso Rabada to Devdutt Padikkal, Full toss around off and there is some inswing to the southpaw. Padikkal gets his bat a fraction late. Luckily he gets an inside edge which sees the ball go to fine leg for one.
Kagiso Rabada to Devdutt Padikkal, Full and outside off, Padikkal swings but connects with nothing.Â
Kagiso Rabada to Devdutt Padikkal, ! Fantastic shot from Padikkal! Pacy ball pitching on middle and off and coming back in. Padikkal flicks it as he closes the face of the bat in the last minute and wrists it through backward square leg for a boundary.
Kagiso Rabada to Devdutt Padikkal, Rabada starts with a length ball on the pads, Padikkal looks to flick but misses and gets hit high on the pad. Rabada appeals but the umpire is not keen.
Kagiso Rabada to bowl from the other end.
Ishant Sharma to Devdutt Padikkal, Inside edge and a single to end the over. Good length delivery on off, this one nips back in to the southpaw. Padikkal looks to defend but it takes the inside edge and goes behind square leg. Padikkal takes a single and keeps the strike. Tidy start from Delhi. Just 6 off the first over.
Ishant Sharma to Devdutt Padikkal, Better from Ishant! Good length ball around off, this shapes away from Padikkal once again. He looks to dab it to third man but misses.Â
Ishant Sharma to Devdutt Padikkal, ! Padikkal is off the mark! A poor ball from Ishant Sharma and is rightfully punished! Too full around off, gives Padikkal the width to free his arm. He slaps it over point and gets a boundary.
Ishant Sharma to Devdutt Padikkal, Another good ball! An immaculate seam position from Ishant. Bowls it in the channel of uncertainty around off, Padikkal looks to have a poke at it. The ball shapes away from Padikkal and squares him up.
Ishant Sharma to Devdutt Padikkal, Good and much better from Ishant! Hits the good length area around off and makes the ball shape away from the southpaw. Devdutt Padikkal keeps his eyes on the ball and leaves it alone.
Ishant Sharma to Virat Kohli, Kohli and Bangalore are off the mark straightaway! Poor ball from Ishant but there is protection in the deep! Full and coming in to the right-hander. Kohli flicks it right off the meat but there is deep square leg. Just a single.
We are all set for the action to begin! The two umpires make their way out to the middle. The Delhi players are in a huddle with their young skipper, Rishabh Pant having final words of motivation before his troops disperse on the field. Bangalore skipper, Virat Kohli strides out with the young and talented southpaw, Devdutt Padikkal to open the innings. The experienced, Ishant Sharma takes the new ball first up in his first game of the season.
Bangalore (Playing XI) - Virat Kohli (C), Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (IN FOR NAVDEEP SAINI), Glenn Maxwell, AB de Villiers (WK), Washington Sundar, Daniel Sams (IN FOR DAN CHRISTIAN), Kyle Jamieson, Harshal Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mohammed Siraj.
Delhi (Playing XI) - Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant (WK/C), Steven Smith, Shimron Hetmyer, Marcus Stoinis, Axar Patel, Amit Mishra, Kagiso Rabada, Ishant Sharma (IN FOR RAVICHANDRAN ASHWIN), Avesh Khan.
Bangalore skipper, Virat Kohli, says that they would have bowled first as well. But adds there was dew in the first innings in the last game too. Tells it is about laying foundation and then go hard at the back end. Kohli says it is an important game and tells they need to keep the focus and stay with the plan. Kohli informs there are a couple of changes in his side. Tells Saini and Christian make way for Rajat Patidar which gives them more depth in batting and Sams comes in.
Rishabh Pant, Delhi skipper, says that they will bowl first. Adds that the wicket is dry and dew will come. Informs that they have one change as Ishant Sharma comes in for Ravichandran Ashwin. Further says that Ishant Sharma has been bowling well in nets.
TOSS - We are all set for the coin flip. Delhi captain, Rishabh Pant is out in the middle joined by Bangalore skipper, Virat Kohli. Pant has the coin in hand. Up it goes. Kohli calls incorrectly. DELHI OPT TO BOWL!
Hello and welcome to game number 22 as Delhi takes on Bangalore. Both sides played their last game on Sunday with contrasting results. Bangalore's winning start to the season came to an end as Chennai pulled the handbrake on Bangalore's cruising start. Kohli and his troops will be hoping to bounce back from that loss and will be desperate to get back to winning ways and prove that loss was just a blip. Pant's Delhi come to Ahmedabad high on confidence as they survived a huge scare and managed to
Kagiso Rabada is down for an interview. He starts by saying that the team is playing good cricket. Adds that both batsmen and bowler are becoming smart nowadays. Mentions that he relies on his yorkers as it is his strength. Further says that Avesh Khan is doing well and he is a good future for India.
PITCH REPORT - Sunil Gavaskar is the pitch master from distance. Gavaskar says that there will be turn tonight as well. Tells there are some marks on the pitch. Gavaskar adds that hitting spinners will be difficult.Â
7
Diabytes
Delhi Capitals
170/4(20 Overs)
We are finally back for the chase! The sandstorm has gone and we are back with cricketing action. Bangalore players are in a huddle with skipper, Virat Kohli having a word with his players before they take the field.Â
Update 2130 local (1600 GMT) - Good news! It looks like the storm has calmed down and we look set to resume in a matter of minutes. Kohli and his Bangalore side are getting a huddle.Â
UPDATE 2127 local (1557 GMT) - The start of the second innings has been delayed as there is a big sandstorm and it has gone dark. Hopefully, the storm settles soon and it is not a lengthy delay.Â
There is a massive sandstorm at the moment and it looks like we are in for a delay here. The players are around the dugout but everything here is blowing. The umpires have gathered and having a chat here. The visibility has gotten a bit better but the umpires cannot take the players out at this time and he has had a word with Kohli who is ready with his side around the dugout.
It looked like a good bowling effort but the last over has spoilt the overall effort of Delhi bowlers a bit. Pant's punt of bowling out Rabada and Avesh before the final over did not work in his favour. Avesh Khan and Ishant Sharma were excellent with the ball as the pair gave away 26 and 24 runs respectively and picked up one wicket each. Rabada was expensive in his 4 for a wicket. The spin duo of Axar and Mishra did well but went for over 8 rpo. Stoinis' last over was the most expensive over o
There is a big sandstorm at this point and that might make batting a bit more difficult. The pitch too has not looked very good to bat on but as they say never judge a pitch before both sides have batted on it. Delhi need 172 to win the game and extend their winning streak to 4. Kohli will hope his bowlers can do the job and defend this total and get back to winning ways and regain the top spot. Who will take the top spot? Join us for the chase in a while.
What a finish! AB de Villiers, take a bow! What a player he is. Just out of this world. 23 off the final over and on a pitch that has looked a bit slow and when it looked like 160 might be par, his excellent innings has ensured that Bangalore post in excess of 170!
One of the impressive bowlers for Delhi tonight, Ishant Sharma is down for an interview. He says that he is happy with his performance. Adds that wherever he wanted to bowl he executed it well. Mentions that he tries to bowl his basics right and executes his skills. Further says that 171 is chaseable if they get a good start. Ends by saying that there is sandstorm happening in the ground.
Marcus Stoinis to AB de Villiers, Full on off, de Villiers drives it past the bowler through mid off. The batsmen get a couple. BANGALORE END WITH 171/5!
Avesh Khan to AB de Villiers, NOT ! The ball had hit the ground first! Yorker on off, de Villiers digs it out towards the bowler where Avesh Khan takes the catch and claims it. The umpires want to check it. Replays show that the ball had hit the ground first and then went to the bowler.
Avesh Khan to AB de Villiers, Yorker on middle, de Villiers drives it through mid on for a single.
Marcus Stoinis to AB de Villiers, ! That is smashed! Short delivery outside off, de Villiers smashes it over covers for a biggie.
Marcus Stoinis to AB de Villiers, ! That is clobbered! Short delivery on middle, de Villiers pulls it over fine leg for a maximum.
Marcus Stoinis to AB de Villiers, Length delivery outside off, de Villiers shoulders arms to this one.
Marcus Stoinis to AB de Villiers, ! That is powered! Full delivery on off, de Villiers lofts it over long off for a maximum. It lands on the ropes on the full.
Marcus Stoinis to AB de Villiers, Short delivery outside off, de Villiers cuts it through point. The batsmen get two runs.
Marcus Stoinis to AB de Villiers, WIDE! Full and wide outside off, de Villiers leaves it alone.
Now then! Rabada has bowled out. Mishra has an over left, while Stoinis has not bowled tonight. Who will bowl the final over? Who will Pant turn to? It is going to be Marcus Stoinis who will bowl the final over of the innings.
Avesh Khan to AB de Villiers, Full on middle, de Villiers drives it through mid on for a single.
Avesh Khan to AB de Villiers, ! 50 for AB de Villiers! It has been a crucial innings from him. Short delivery on middle, de Villiers pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary.
Avesh Khan to Daniel Sams, Yorker on off, Sams digs it out towards covers for a single.
Avesh Khan to Daniel Sams, Slower delivery outside off, Sams drives it through mid off. The batsmen get two runs.
The umpires are getting together to have a check of the legitimacy of the catch. To the naked eye it looks like a bump call but let's see what the replays have to say.
Kagiso Rabada to Washington Sundar, ! CAUGHT! Rabada gets his first wicket! Short delivery on middle, Sundar looks to pull but gets a top edge. It goes high in the air where Rabada calls for it and takes a comfortable catch.
Former Delhi player, Daniel Sams walks out to bat.
Kagiso Rabada to AB de Villiers, Full on middle, de Villiers pushes it through mid on for a single.
Kagiso Rabada to AB de Villiers, ! That is hammered! Short ball on middle, de Villiers pulls it over mid-wicket for a maximum.
Kagiso Rabada to Washington Sundar, Short delivery on off, Sundar guides it towards third man for a run.
Kagiso Rabada to AB de Villiers, Full delivery on middle, de Villiers drives it through mid on for a single.
Kagiso Rabada to AB de Villiers, Yorker on middle, de Villiers digs it out through mid-wicket. The batsmen get two runs.
Avesh Khan to AB de Villiers, Short delivery on off, de Villiers punches it through point for a run.
Avesh Khan to Washington Sundar, Full delivery on off, Sundar drives it through covers for a single.
Avesh Khan to Washington Sundar, Back of a length on off, Sundar punches it to point.
Avesh Khan to AB de Villiers, Full on off, de Villiers lofts it over mid off for a single.
Avesh Khan to AB de Villiers, PLAY AND A MISS! Short delivery outside off, de Villiers looks to pull but misses it.
STRATEGIC TIME-! AB de Villiers holds the key for Bangalore here. The platform is set and the South African is well set now to spread his wings and end this innings with a grandstand finish. Washington Sundar too will need to join the party if Bangalore are to get a total in excess of 165. Delhi have done a decent job so far with the ball but can they finish the job with the ball? Avesh Khan to bowl post the time-out.
Avesh Khan to Washington Sundar, Length delivery on leg, Sundar flicks it towards fine leg for a single.
Kagiso Rabada to AB de Villiers, Overthrows and they get an extra run. Short ball around off, de Villiers dabs it to short third man. Washington calls for a run straightaway. The fielder has a shy at the keeper's end but misses. The backup is too far behind and they get the second too.
Kagiso Rabada to Washington Sundar, Length ball on off, Sundar taps it to cover for a run.
Kagiso Rabada to AB de Villiers, Now follows the boundary with a single towards cover.
Kagiso Rabada to AB de Villiers, ! Surgical precision from AB de Villiers. This is outrageous from de Villiers. Very full around off, it is almost a yorker. AB takes his front foot away and places it away from short third man and backward point for a boundary.Â
Kagiso Rabada to Washington Sundar, Good length delivery on middle and off. Sundar dabs it to third man for a single.Â
Kagiso Rabada to Washington Sundar, Full toss outside off. Sundar misses out on it as his drive is straight to the man at short extra cover.Â
Kagiso Rabada is back on.
Axar Patel continues.
Axar Patel to Washington Sundar, Shorter on off, Sundar nudges it through the cow corner region and keeps the strike with a single. Axar finishes with 1/33 from his 4.Â
Washington Sundar is the new batsman in.
Axar Patel to Rajat Patidar, ! CAUGHT! A fine innings from Rajat Patidar comes to an end. He mistimed a shot earlier in this over and was lucky that it did not carry to Smith at long on but this time his luck runs out. Short around off, Patidar looks to smack it over long on but once again he does not adjust well to the length of this delivery. He mistimes it and hits it to the right of long on. Steven Smith in the deep has been excellent tonight. He runs to his right and in front and
Axar Patel to AB de Villiers, Follows the biggie with a gentle single to long on.
Axar Patel to AB de Villiers, ! BOOM! AB de Villiers crosses the 5000 run mark in the league in style! What a shot this is from de Villiers! Floated on off, de Villiers goes downtown and smacks it over long off for a biggie.
Axar Patel to Rajat Patidar, Shorter on off, Patidar swings but mistimes it. It goes to Smith at long on on a bounce. Single taken.
Axar Patel to AB de Villiers, Floated on middle, de Villiers drives it to long off for one.Â
Ishant Sharma to Rajat Patidar, Short again on middle, Patidar pulls it through mid-wicket. The batsmen get a couple.
Ishant Sharma to Rajat Patidar, ! That is clobbered! Short delivery on leg, Patidar pulls it over square leg for a maximum.
Ishant Sharma to AB de Villiers, Full on off, de Villiers lofts it over point for a single.
Ishant Sharma to AB de Villiers, Full delivery on off, de Villiers drives it to covers.
Ishant Sharma to Rajat Patidar, Back of a length on middle, Patidar comes forward and punches it through mid on for a run.
Ishant Sharma to AB de Villiers, Full delivery on middle, de Villiers flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.
Bowling change. Ishant Sharma to bowl out.
Axar Patel to AB de Villiers, Quicker delivery on off, de Villiers pushes it through mid off for a single.
Axar Patel to AB de Villiers, On off, de Villiers pushes it through mid off. The batsmen get two runs.
Axar Patel to Rajat Patidar, Flighted delivery on middle, Patidar pushes it through mid on for a single.
Axar Patel to AB de Villiers, Floated delivery on off, de Villiers comes down the track and pushes it through mid off for a single.
Axar Patel to AB de Villiers, Tossed up delivery on middle, de Villiers flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen get a couple.
Axar Patel to AB de Villiers, Loopy delivery on middle, de Villiers pushes it back towards the bowler.
Kagiso Rabada to Rajat Patidar, Short of a length delivery on off, Patidar looks to fend at it but gets a leading edge. It lands safely towards point where it falls short of Smith.
Kagiso Rabada to AB de Villiers, Good length delivery on middle, de Villiers flicks it through mid-wicket for a run.
Kagiso Rabada to AB de Villiers, ! Cracking shot! Short delivery outside off, de Villiers punches it through covers for a boundary.
Kagiso Rabada to AB de Villiers, Good length delivery outside off, de Villiers punches it to mid off.
Kagiso Rabada to Rajat Patidar, On a length on middle, Patidar flicks it towards mid-wicket for a quick single. The fielder fires a direct hit at the bowler's end.
Direct hit but no excitement from the Delhi players. That indicates Rajat Patidar is in.
Kagiso Rabada to Rajat Patidar, Length delivery on middle, Patidar flicks it through square leg. The batsmen get two runs.
Change in bowling. Kagiso Rabada is called back into the attack for his second over.
Amit Mishra to Rajat Patidar, On middle, Patidar pushes it through mid on for a single.
Amit Mishra to AB de Villiers, Tossed up ball on off, de Villiers drives it through mid off for a run.
Amit Mishra to Rajat Patidar, Loopy delivery on middle, Patidar pushes it through mid on for a single.
Amit Mishra to Rajat Patidar, ! That is powered! Floated delivery on middle, Patidar lofts it over long on for a maximum.
Amit Mishra to AB de Villiers, Tossed up delivery on off, de Villiers pushes it towards point for a run.
Amit Mishra to Rajat Patidar, Floated delivery on off, Patidar pushes it through mid off for a single.
Axar Patel to AB de Villiers, Short and outside off, de Villiers punches it through covers for a couple.
Axar Patel to Rajat Patidar, Full delivery on off, Patidar pushes it through mid off for a single.
Axar Patel to AB de Villiers, Short delivery on middle, de Villiers punches it through mid on for a single.
Axar Patel to AB de Villiers, Floated delivery on off, de Villiers pushes it back towards the bowler.
Axar Patel to Rajat Patidar, Flighted delivery on middle, Patidar drives it through mid on for a run.
Axar Patel to AB de Villiers, Short delivery on off, de Villiers punches it towards covers for a quick single.
Amit Mishra to AB de Villiers, On off, de Villiers pushes it through mid off for a single.
Amit Mishra to AB de Villiers, Tossed up ball on middle, de Villiers looks to flick but gets hit on the thigh pad.
Amit Mishra to Rajat Patidar, Loopy delivery on middle, Patidar flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.
STRATEGIC TIME-! Delhi has got the big wicket of Glenn Maxwell and are bowling well here. Ishant Sharma has looked good today as he got Padikkal's wicket. On the other hand, Bangalore started well but lost Kohli early. Padikkal also did not last long as he was bowled by Ishant Sharma. Maxwell and Patidar started building a partnership but they lost Maxwell just before the break.
Amit Mishra to Glenn Maxwell, ! CAUGHT! Mishra gets the better of Maxwell for the fifth time and Delhi are well on top of this game now. Maxwell was looking to go after Mishra. The experienced Indian shows smartness as he bowls it slower and tosses it up wide outside off. Maxwell looks to hit it to the on side. He is made to stretch out for it. He does not get enough in his slog and hits it straight to long on. Steven Smith there makes no mistakes and takes a simple catch.Â
Amit Mishra to Glenn Maxwell, Flighted delivery on middle, Maxwell looks to sweep but gets it off the inner half of the bat. It goes through mid-wicket. The batsmen get two runs.
Amit Mishra to Rajat Patidar, Tossed up delivery on middle, Patidar sweeps it through mid-wicket for a single.
Axar Patel to Rajat Patidar, Flighted delivery on middle, Patidar flicks it through mid-wicket for a run.
Axar Patel to Glenn Maxwell, On middle, Maxwell looks to flick but gets a leading edge. It goes towards the bowler where it falls short of Axar Patel. The ball goes through him. The batsmen take a single.
Axar Patel to Glenn Maxwell, ! That is clobbered! Tossed up delivery on middle, Maxwell plays a slog sweep over mid-wicket for a maximum.
Axar Patel to Glenn Maxwell, Loopy delivery on leg, Maxwell looks to flick but gets hit on the pads.
Axar Patel to Glenn Maxwell, Floated delivery on middle, Maxwell flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen get two runs.
Axar Patel to Glenn Maxwell, Flighted delivery on off, Maxwell drives it to mid off.
Amit Mishra to Glenn Maxwell, Short delivery on off, Maxwell cuts it through point for a run. 11 runs from the over!
Amit Mishra to Glenn Maxwell, ! That is smashed! Tossed up delivery on off, Maxwell lofts it over long off for a maximum.
Amit Mishra to Rajat Patidar, Full on off, Patidar drives it through mid off for a single.
Amit Mishra to Glenn Maxwell, Short delivery outside off, Maxwell cuts it through point for a run.
Amit Mishra to Rajat Patidar, Flighted delivery on off, Patidar pushes it through covers for a single.
Amit Mishra to Glenn Maxwell, Tossed up delivery on off, Maxwell drives it towards mid off for a single.
Oh no! Amit Mishra has been warned as he has been caught using saliva on the ball.Â
Change in bowling as Amit Mishra is introduced into the attack
Avesh Khan to Rajat Patidar, Length delivery on off, Patidar runs it down to short third man. He wanted a single but Maxwell denies him. End of the Powerplay and a very good one for Delhi. Bangalore started off well but with the score at 36/2, the first phase of the innings has clearly belonged to Delhi.
Avesh Khan to Glenn Maxwell, Off the cue end! Fullish around off, Maxwell hits it off the toe end of the bat to the left of mid on for one.Â
Avesh Khan to Glenn Maxwell, Length ball outside off, Maxwell punches it to cover.Â
Avesh Khan to Glenn Maxwell, Good length ball around off, Maxwell blocks it.
Avesh Khan to Glenn Maxwell, ! CRUNCHED! Maxwell finally gets off the mark and does so in style! Length ball around off, Maxwell gets on top of the bounce and crunches his punch through covers for a boundary.Â
Avesh Khan to Rajat Patidar, Good length delivery angling in to Patidar. He tucks it to the leg side and takes a single to get off the mark.
Ishant Sharma to Glenn Maxwell, Wicket maiden! Terrific from Ishant Sharma. What a comeback he has had in this side. 3-1-15-1, his numbers so far. The last ball is a slower one around off, Maxwell drives it straight to Shaw at short cover-point.
Ishant Sharma to Glenn Maxwell, Leg cutter from Ishant! It is on middle, Maxwell drives it straight back to the bowler. Ishant gets his hands to it but cannot stop it. Gets enough hand to take the pace off the ball and deny them a single.
Ishant Sharma to Glenn Maxwell, Slapped but straight to the fielder. Length ball wide outside off, Maxwell slams his punch but finds Shaw at short cover-point.Â
Ishant Sharma to Glenn Maxwell, Length ball on middle, Maxi blocks it towards mid on.
Ishant Sharma to Devdutt Padikkal, ! BOWLED! Back-to-back wickets for Delhi as Padikkal follows his skipper in the dugout. Both the openers are out of here for Bangalore and this Powerplay which was being painted in the red and black of Bangalore is being overshadowed by the blue of Delhi. Fabulous delivery from Ishant! Good length delivery that pitches around off. Padikkal looks to defend thinking it to move away from him. But this ball pitches and jags back in. Padikkal misses his defe
Ishant Sharma to Glenn Maxwell, Full ball around off, Maxwell drives it but finds cover inside the circle.
Glenn Maxwell is the new batsman in.
Rajat Patidar is the new batsman in.
Avesh Khan to Virat Kohli, ! CHOPPED ON! Avesh Khan's extra delivery does him good as he has struck gold with it. Kohli is visibly disappointed as he sees his off stump go for a toss. Huge wicket for Avesh as he finishes his first over by sending the Bangalore skipper back to the dugout. Good length ball outside off, Kohli looks to play it fine down to third man. He did it earlier in this over but this ball was too close for Super V to do that. The ball takes the inside edge and goes on
Avesh Khan to Virat Kohli, WIDE! Avesh misses his line and bowls one down the leg side. Kohli looks to flick but it is still way outside his reach.
Avesh Khan to Virat Kohli, Another cry of anguish from Virat! Full around off, in the arc for Kohli to play his trademark cover drive. He though mistimes it and plays it to the mat at short cover.
Avesh Khan to Virat Kohli, A 145.1 kph bouncer outside off from Avesh Khan! Kohli looks to upper cut it over the keeper's head but misses and lets out a huge grunt.Â
Avesh Khan to Virat Kohli, Fuller on off, Kohli pushes it to mid off.
Avesh Khan to Virat Kohli, ! Deft from Kohli! Did not try to hit it hard just placed it to perfection. Not a lot wrong in this delivery. It is on a length around off, Kohli just places it fine away from Pant and away from third man for a boundary.Â
Ishant Sharma to Virat Kohli, Direct hit and Kohli might have been in trouble. Slower ball on off, Kohli glances it towards mid on and calls for a quick run. He charges to the other end. Rabada at mid on, gets the ball and has a shy at the bowler's end but misses.Â
Avesh Khan to Virat Kohli, Avesh starts with a fuller ball on off, Kohli blocks it.Â
Avesh Khan is into the attack.
Ishant Sharma to Devdutt Padikkal, Length ball around off, Padikkal taps it to backward point for one.
Ishant Sharma to Devdutt Padikkal, ! Crunched! Shortish ball on middle and leg, Padikkal gets in position quickly and pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary.
Ishant Sharma to Devdutt Padikkal, HIGH IN THE AIR AND SAFE! Once again Ishant takes pace off the ball. Padikkal comes down the track and looks to go downtown. He mistimes it badly, the ball goes very, very high in the sky. Axar Patel circles around it but cannot settle as he runs behind. Axar misjudges it as the ball falls away from him. Padikkal comes back for the second. Tough chance as Axar is a brilliant fielder.
Ishant Sharma to Devdutt Padikkal, Appeal for caught behind but the umpire is unmoved. Delhi do not review it either. Slower ball but down the leg side. Padikkal looks to flick but misses as the ball kisses the pad and goes to the keeper.Â
Ishant Sharma to Virat Kohli, Good length delivery around off, Kohli dabs it to third man for one.
Kagiso Rabada to Virat Kohli, Misfield and they get a run! Fuller on off, Kohli pushes it to mid off. Kohli says no to the run but Avesh Khan there misfields allowing them to take the run.
Kagiso Rabada to Virat Kohli, ! What a shot! That is right of the meat! Super V looks in the mood tonight! Fullish ball on off and middle, Kohli flicks it and shows his lovely wrist work and gets it through mid-wicket for a boundary.
Kagiso Rabada to Devdutt Padikkal, Full toss around off and there is some inswing to the southpaw. Padikkal gets his bat a fraction late. Luckily he gets an inside edge which sees the ball go to fine leg for one.
Kagiso Rabada to Devdutt Padikkal, Full and outside off, Padikkal swings but connects with nothing.Â
Kagiso Rabada to Devdutt Padikkal, ! Fantastic shot from Padikkal! Pacy ball pitching on middle and off and coming back in. Padikkal flicks it as he closes the face of the bat in the last minute and wrists it through backward square leg for a boundary.
Kagiso Rabada to Devdutt Padikkal, Rabada starts with a length ball on the pads, Padikkal looks to flick but misses and gets hit high on the pad. Rabada appeals but the umpire is not keen.
Kagiso Rabada to bowl from the other end.
Ishant Sharma to Devdutt Padikkal, Inside edge and a single to end the over. Good length delivery on off, this one nips back in to the southpaw. Padikkal looks to defend but it takes the inside edge and goes behind square leg. Padikkal takes a single and keeps the strike. Tidy start from Delhi. Just 6 off the first over.
Ishant Sharma to Devdutt Padikkal, Better from Ishant! Good length ball around off, this shapes away from Padikkal once again. He looks to dab it to third man but misses.Â
Ishant Sharma to Devdutt Padikkal, ! Padikkal is off the mark! A poor ball from Ishant Sharma and is rightfully punished! Too full around off, gives Padikkal the width to free his arm. He slaps it over point and gets a boundary.
Ishant Sharma to Devdutt Padikkal, Another good ball! An immaculate seam position from Ishant. Bowls it in the channel of uncertainty around off, Padikkal looks to have a poke at it. The ball shapes away from Padikkal and squares him up.
Ishant Sharma to Devdutt Padikkal, Good and much better from Ishant! Hits the good length area around off and makes the ball shape away from the southpaw. Devdutt Padikkal keeps his eyes on the ball and leaves it alone.
Ishant Sharma to Virat Kohli, Kohli and Bangalore are off the mark straightaway! Poor ball from Ishant but there is protection in the deep! Full and coming in to the right-hander. Kohli flicks it right off the meat but there is deep square leg. Just a single.
We are all set for the action to begin! The two umpires make their way out to the middle. The Delhi players are in a huddle with their young skipper, Rishabh Pant having final words of motivation before his troops disperse on the field. Bangalore skipper, Virat Kohli strides out with the young and talented southpaw, Devdutt Padikkal to open the innings. The experienced, Ishant Sharma takes the new ball first up in his first game of the season.
Bangalore (Playing XI) - Virat Kohli (C), Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (IN FOR NAVDEEP SAINI), Glenn Maxwell, AB de Villiers (WK), Washington Sundar, Daniel Sams (IN FOR DAN CHRISTIAN), Kyle Jamieson, Harshal Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mohammed Siraj.
Delhi (Playing XI) - Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant (WK/C), Steven Smith, Shimron Hetmyer, Marcus Stoinis, Axar Patel, Amit Mishra, Kagiso Rabada, Ishant Sharma (IN FOR RAVICHANDRAN ASHWIN), Avesh Khan.
Bangalore skipper, Virat Kohli, says that they would have bowled first as well. But adds there was dew in the first innings in the last game too. Tells it is about laying foundation and then go hard at the back end. Kohli says it is an important game and tells they need to keep the focus and stay with the plan. Kohli informs there are a couple of changes in his side. Tells Saini and Christian make way for Rajat Patidar which gives them more depth in batting and Sams comes in.
Rishabh Pant, Delhi skipper, says that they will bowl first. Adds that the wicket is dry and dew will come. Informs that they have one change as Ishant Sharma comes in for Ravichandran Ashwin. Further says that Ishant Sharma has been bowling well in nets.
TOSS - We are all set for the coin flip. Delhi captain, Rishabh Pant is out in the middle joined by Bangalore skipper, Virat Kohli. Pant has the coin in hand. Up it goes. Kohli calls incorrectly. DELHI OPT TO BOWL!
Hello and welcome to game number 22 as Delhi takes on Bangalore. Both sides played their last game on Sunday with contrasting results. Bangalore's winning start to the season came to an end as Chennai pulled the handbrake on Bangalore's cruising start. Kohli and his troops will be hoping to bounce back from that loss and will be desperate to get back to winning ways and prove that loss was just a blip. Pant's Delhi come to Ahmedabad high on confidence as they survived a huge scare and managed to
Kagiso Rabada is down for an interview. He starts by saying that the team is playing good cricket. Adds that both batsmen and bowler are becoming smart nowadays. Mentions that he relies on his yorkers as it is his strength. Further says that Avesh Khan is doing well and he is a good future for India.
PITCH REPORT - Sunil Gavaskar is the pitch master from distance. Gavaskar says that there will be turn tonight as well. Tells there are some marks on the pitch. Gavaskar adds that hitting spinners will be difficult.Â
We are finally back for the chase! The sandstorm has gone and we are back with cricketing action. Bangalore players are in a huddle with skipper, Virat Kohli having a word with his players before they take the field.Â
Update 2130 local (1600 GMT) - Good news! It looks like the storm has calmed down and we look set to resume in a matter of minutes. Kohli and his Bangalore side are getting a huddle.Â
UPDATE 2127 local (1557 GMT) - The start of the second innings has been delayed as there is a big sandstorm and it has gone dark. Hopefully, the storm settles soon and it is not a lengthy delay.Â
There is a massive sandstorm at the moment and it looks like we are in for a delay here. The players are around the dugout but everything here is blowing. The umpires have gathered and having a chat here. The visibility has gotten a bit better but the umpires cannot take the players out at this time and he has had a word with Kohli who is ready with his side around the dugout.
It looked like a good bowling effort but the last over has spoilt the overall effort of Delhi bowlers a bit. Pant's punt of bowling out Rabada and Avesh before the final over did not work in his favour. Avesh Khan and Ishant Sharma were excellent with the ball as the pair gave away 26 and 24 runs respectively and picked up one wicket each. Rabada was expensive in his 4 for a wicket. The spin duo of Axar and Mishra did well but went for over 8 rpo. Stoinis' last over was the most expensive over o
There is a big sandstorm at this point and that might make batting a bit more difficult. The pitch too has not looked very good to bat on but as they say never judge a pitch before both sides have batted on it. Delhi need 172 to win the game and extend their winning streak to 4. Kohli will hope his bowlers can do the job and defend this total and get back to winning ways and regain the top spot. Who will take the top spot? Join us for the chase in a while.
What a finish! AB de Villiers, take a bow! What a player he is. Just out of this world. 23 off the final over and on a pitch that has looked a bit slow and when it looked like 160 might be par, his excellent innings has ensured that Bangalore post in excess of 170!
One of the impressive bowlers for Delhi tonight, Ishant Sharma is down for an interview. He says that he is happy with his performance. Adds that wherever he wanted to bowl he executed it well. Mentions that he tries to bowl his basics right and executes his skills. Further says that 171 is chaseable if they get a good start. Ends by saying that there is sandstorm happening in the ground.
Marcus Stoinis to AB de Villiers, Full on off, de Villiers drives it past the bowler through mid off. The batsmen get a couple. BANGALORE END WITH 171/5!
Avesh Khan to AB de Villiers, NOT ! The ball had hit the ground first! Yorker on off, de Villiers digs it out towards the bowler where Avesh Khan takes the catch and claims it. The umpires want to check it. Replays show that the ball had hit the ground first and then went to the bowler.
Avesh Khan to AB de Villiers, Yorker on middle, de Villiers drives it through mid on for a single.
Marcus Stoinis to AB de Villiers, ! That is smashed! Short delivery outside off, de Villiers smashes it over covers for a biggie.
Marcus Stoinis to AB de Villiers, ! That is clobbered! Short delivery on middle, de Villiers pulls it over fine leg for a maximum.
Marcus Stoinis to AB de Villiers, Length delivery outside off, de Villiers shoulders arms to this one.
Marcus Stoinis to AB de Villiers, ! That is powered! Full delivery on off, de Villiers lofts it over long off for a maximum. It lands on the ropes on the full.
Marcus Stoinis to AB de Villiers, Short delivery outside off, de Villiers cuts it through point. The batsmen get two runs.
Marcus Stoinis to AB de Villiers, WIDE! Full and wide outside off, de Villiers leaves it alone.
Now then! Rabada has bowled out. Mishra has an over left, while Stoinis has not bowled tonight. Who will bowl the final over? Who will Pant turn to? It is going to be Marcus Stoinis who will bowl the final over of the innings.
Avesh Khan to AB de Villiers, Full on middle, de Villiers drives it through mid on for a single.
Avesh Khan to AB de Villiers, ! 50 for AB de Villiers! It has been a crucial innings from him. Short delivery on middle, de Villiers pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary.
Avesh Khan to Daniel Sams, Yorker on off, Sams digs it out towards covers for a single.
Avesh Khan to Daniel Sams, Slower delivery outside off, Sams drives it through mid off. The batsmen get two runs.
The umpires are getting together to have a check of the legitimacy of the catch. To the naked eye it looks like a bump call but let's see what the replays have to say.
Kagiso Rabada to Washington Sundar, ! CAUGHT! Rabada gets his first wicket! Short delivery on middle, Sundar looks to pull but gets a top edge. It goes high in the air where Rabada calls for it and takes a comfortable catch.
Former Delhi player, Daniel Sams walks out to bat.
Kagiso Rabada to AB de Villiers, Full on middle, de Villiers pushes it through mid on for a single.
Kagiso Rabada to AB de Villiers, ! That is hammered! Short ball on middle, de Villiers pulls it over mid-wicket for a maximum.
Kagiso Rabada to Washington Sundar, Short delivery on off, Sundar guides it towards third man for a run.
Kagiso Rabada to AB de Villiers, Full delivery on middle, de Villiers drives it through mid on for a single.
Kagiso Rabada to AB de Villiers, Yorker on middle, de Villiers digs it out through mid-wicket. The batsmen get two runs.
Avesh Khan to AB de Villiers, Short delivery on off, de Villiers punches it through point for a run.
Avesh Khan to Washington Sundar, Full delivery on off, Sundar drives it through covers for a single.
Avesh Khan to Washington Sundar, Back of a length on off, Sundar punches it to point.
Avesh Khan to AB de Villiers, Full on off, de Villiers lofts it over mid off for a single.
Avesh Khan to AB de Villiers, PLAY AND A MISS! Short delivery outside off, de Villiers looks to pull but misses it.
STRATEGIC TIME-! AB de Villiers holds the key for Bangalore here. The platform is set and the South African is well set now to spread his wings and end this innings with a grandstand finish. Washington Sundar too will need to join the party if Bangalore are to get a total in excess of 165. Delhi have done a decent job so far with the ball but can they finish the job with the ball? Avesh Khan to bowl post the time-out.
Avesh Khan to Washington Sundar, Length delivery on leg, Sundar flicks it towards fine leg for a single.
Kagiso Rabada to AB de Villiers, Overthrows and they get an extra run. Short ball around off, de Villiers dabs it to short third man. Washington calls for a run straightaway. The fielder has a shy at the keeper's end but misses. The backup is too far behind and they get the second too.
Kagiso Rabada to Washington Sundar, Length ball on off, Sundar taps it to cover for a run.
Kagiso Rabada to AB de Villiers, Now follows the boundary with a single towards cover.
Kagiso Rabada to AB de Villiers, ! Surgical precision from AB de Villiers. This is outrageous from de Villiers. Very full around off, it is almost a yorker. AB takes his front foot away and places it away from short third man and backward point for a boundary.Â
Kagiso Rabada to Washington Sundar, Good length delivery on middle and off. Sundar dabs it to third man for a single.Â
Kagiso Rabada to Washington Sundar, Full toss outside off. Sundar misses out on it as his drive is straight to the man at short extra cover.Â
Kagiso Rabada is back on.
Axar Patel continues.
Axar Patel to Washington Sundar, Shorter on off, Sundar nudges it through the cow corner region and keeps the strike with a single. Axar finishes with 1/33 from his 4.Â
Washington Sundar is the new batsman in.
Axar Patel to Rajat Patidar, ! CAUGHT! A fine innings from Rajat Patidar comes to an end. He mistimed a shot earlier in this over and was lucky that it did not carry to Smith at long on but this time his luck runs out. Short around off, Patidar looks to smack it over long on but once again he does not adjust well to the length of this delivery. He mistimes it and hits it to the right of long on. Steven Smith in the deep has been excellent tonight. He runs to his right and in front and
Axar Patel to AB de Villiers, Follows the biggie with a gentle single to long on.
Axar Patel to AB de Villiers, ! BOOM! AB de Villiers crosses the 5000 run mark in the league in style! What a shot this is from de Villiers! Floated on off, de Villiers goes downtown and smacks it over long off for a biggie.
Axar Patel to Rajat Patidar, Shorter on off, Patidar swings but mistimes it. It goes to Smith at long on on a bounce. Single taken.
Axar Patel to AB de Villiers, Floated on middle, de Villiers drives it to long off for one.Â
Ishant Sharma to Rajat Patidar, Short again on middle, Patidar pulls it through mid-wicket. The batsmen get a couple.
Ishant Sharma to Rajat Patidar, ! That is clobbered! Short delivery on leg, Patidar pulls it over square leg for a maximum.
Ishant Sharma to AB de Villiers, Full on off, de Villiers lofts it over point for a single.
Ishant Sharma to AB de Villiers, Full delivery on off, de Villiers drives it to covers.
Ishant Sharma to Rajat Patidar, Back of a length on middle, Patidar comes forward and punches it through mid on for a run.
Ishant Sharma to AB de Villiers, Full delivery on middle, de Villiers flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.
Bowling change. Ishant Sharma to bowl out.
Axar Patel to AB de Villiers, Quicker delivery on off, de Villiers pushes it through mid off for a single.
Axar Patel to AB de Villiers, On off, de Villiers pushes it through mid off. The batsmen get two runs.
Axar Patel to Rajat Patidar, Flighted delivery on middle, Patidar pushes it through mid on for a single.
Axar Patel to AB de Villiers, Floated delivery on off, de Villiers comes down the track and pushes it through mid off for a single.
Axar Patel to AB de Villiers, Tossed up delivery on middle, de Villiers flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen get a couple.
Axar Patel to AB de Villiers, Loopy delivery on middle, de Villiers pushes it back towards the bowler.
Kagiso Rabada to Rajat Patidar, Short of a length delivery on off, Patidar looks to fend at it but gets a leading edge. It lands safely towards point where it falls short of Smith.
Kagiso Rabada to AB de Villiers, Good length delivery on middle, de Villiers flicks it through mid-wicket for a run.
Kagiso Rabada to AB de Villiers, ! Cracking shot! Short delivery outside off, de Villiers punches it through covers for a boundary.
Kagiso Rabada to AB de Villiers, Good length delivery outside off, de Villiers punches it to mid off.
Kagiso Rabada to Rajat Patidar, On a length on middle, Patidar flicks it towards mid-wicket for a quick single. The fielder fires a direct hit at the bowler's end.
Direct hit but no excitement from the Delhi players. That indicates Rajat Patidar is in.
Kagiso Rabada to Rajat Patidar, Length delivery on middle, Patidar flicks it through square leg. The batsmen get two runs.
Change in bowling. Kagiso Rabada is called back into the attack for his second over.
Amit Mishra to Rajat Patidar, On middle, Patidar pushes it through mid on for a single.
Amit Mishra to AB de Villiers, Tossed up ball on off, de Villiers drives it through mid off for a run.
Amit Mishra to Rajat Patidar, Loopy delivery on middle, Patidar pushes it through mid on for a single.
Amit Mishra to Rajat Patidar, ! That is powered! Floated delivery on middle, Patidar lofts it over long on for a maximum.
Amit Mishra to AB de Villiers, Tossed up delivery on off, de Villiers pushes it towards point for a run.
Amit Mishra to Rajat Patidar, Floated delivery on off, Patidar pushes it through mid off for a single.
Axar Patel to AB de Villiers, Short and outside off, de Villiers punches it through covers for a couple.
Axar Patel to Rajat Patidar, Full delivery on off, Patidar pushes it through mid off for a single.
Axar Patel to AB de Villiers, Short delivery on middle, de Villiers punches it through mid on for a single.
Axar Patel to AB de Villiers, Floated delivery on off, de Villiers pushes it back towards the bowler.
Axar Patel to Rajat Patidar, Flighted delivery on middle, Patidar drives it through mid on for a run.
Axar Patel to AB de Villiers, Short delivery on off, de Villiers punches it towards covers for a quick single.
Amit Mishra to AB de Villiers, On off, de Villiers pushes it through mid off for a single.
Amit Mishra to AB de Villiers, Tossed up ball on middle, de Villiers looks to flick but gets hit on the thigh pad.
Amit Mishra to Rajat Patidar, Loopy delivery on middle, Patidar flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.
STRATEGIC TIME-! Delhi has got the big wicket of Glenn Maxwell and are bowling well here. Ishant Sharma has looked good today as he got Padikkal's wicket. On the other hand, Bangalore started well but lost Kohli early. Padikkal also did not last long as he was bowled by Ishant Sharma. Maxwell and Patidar started building a partnership but they lost Maxwell just before the break.
Amit Mishra to Glenn Maxwell, ! CAUGHT! Mishra gets the better of Maxwell for the fifth time and Delhi are well on top of this game now. Maxwell was looking to go after Mishra. The experienced Indian shows smartness as he bowls it slower and tosses it up wide outside off. Maxwell looks to hit it to the on side. He is made to stretch out for it. He does not get enough in his slog and hits it straight to long on. Steven Smith there makes no mistakes and takes a simple catch.Â
Amit Mishra to Glenn Maxwell, Flighted delivery on middle, Maxwell looks to sweep but gets it off the inner half of the bat. It goes through mid-wicket. The batsmen get two runs.
Amit Mishra to Rajat Patidar, Tossed up delivery on middle, Patidar sweeps it through mid-wicket for a single.
Axar Patel to Rajat Patidar, Flighted delivery on middle, Patidar flicks it through mid-wicket for a run.
Axar Patel to Glenn Maxwell, On middle, Maxwell looks to flick but gets a leading edge. It goes towards the bowler where it falls short of Axar Patel. The ball goes through him. The batsmen take a single.
Axar Patel to Glenn Maxwell, ! That is clobbered! Tossed up delivery on middle, Maxwell plays a slog sweep over mid-wicket for a maximum.
Axar Patel to Glenn Maxwell, Loopy delivery on leg, Maxwell looks to flick but gets hit on the pads.
Axar Patel to Glenn Maxwell, Floated delivery on middle, Maxwell flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen get two runs.
Axar Patel to Glenn Maxwell, Flighted delivery on off, Maxwell drives it to mid off.
Amit Mishra to Glenn Maxwell, Short delivery on off, Maxwell cuts it through point for a run. 11 runs from the over!
Amit Mishra to Glenn Maxwell, ! That is smashed! Tossed up delivery on off, Maxwell lofts it over long off for a maximum.
Amit Mishra to Rajat Patidar, Full on off, Patidar drives it through mid off for a single.
Amit Mishra to Glenn Maxwell, Short delivery outside off, Maxwell cuts it through point for a run.
Amit Mishra to Rajat Patidar, Flighted delivery on off, Patidar pushes it through covers for a single.
Amit Mishra to Glenn Maxwell, Tossed up delivery on off, Maxwell drives it towards mid off for a single.
Oh no! Amit Mishra has been warned as he has been caught using saliva on the ball.Â
Change in bowling as Amit Mishra is introduced into the attack
Avesh Khan to Rajat Patidar, Length delivery on off, Patidar runs it down to short third man. He wanted a single but Maxwell denies him. End of the Powerplay and a very good one for Delhi. Bangalore started off well but with the score at 36/2, the first phase of the innings has clearly belonged to Delhi.
Avesh Khan to Glenn Maxwell, Off the cue end! Fullish around off, Maxwell hits it off the toe end of the bat to the left of mid on for one.Â
Avesh Khan to Glenn Maxwell, Length ball outside off, Maxwell punches it to cover.Â
Avesh Khan to Glenn Maxwell, Good length ball around off, Maxwell blocks it.
Avesh Khan to Glenn Maxwell, ! CRUNCHED! Maxwell finally gets off the mark and does so in style! Length ball around off, Maxwell gets on top of the bounce and crunches his punch through covers for a boundary.Â
Avesh Khan to Rajat Patidar, Good length delivery angling in to Patidar. He tucks it to the leg side and takes a single to get off the mark.
Ishant Sharma to Glenn Maxwell, Wicket maiden! Terrific from Ishant Sharma. What a comeback he has had in this side. 3-1-15-1, his numbers so far. The last ball is a slower one around off, Maxwell drives it straight to Shaw at short cover-point.
Ishant Sharma to Glenn Maxwell, Leg cutter from Ishant! It is on middle, Maxwell drives it straight back to the bowler. Ishant gets his hands to it but cannot stop it. Gets enough hand to take the pace off the ball and deny them a single.
Ishant Sharma to Glenn Maxwell, Slapped but straight to the fielder. Length ball wide outside off, Maxwell slams his punch but finds Shaw at short cover-point.Â
Ishant Sharma to Glenn Maxwell, Length ball on middle, Maxi blocks it towards mid on.
Ishant Sharma to Devdutt Padikkal, ! BOWLED! Back-to-back wickets for Delhi as Padikkal follows his skipper in the dugout. Both the openers are out of here for Bangalore and this Powerplay which was being painted in the red and black of Bangalore is being overshadowed by the blue of Delhi. Fabulous delivery from Ishant! Good length delivery that pitches around off. Padikkal looks to defend thinking it to move away from him. But this ball pitches and jags back in. Padikkal misses his defe
Ishant Sharma to Glenn Maxwell, Full ball around off, Maxwell drives it but finds cover inside the circle.
Glenn Maxwell is the new batsman in.
Rajat Patidar is the new batsman in.
Avesh Khan to Virat Kohli, ! CHOPPED ON! Avesh Khan's extra delivery does him good as he has struck gold with it. Kohli is visibly disappointed as he sees his off stump go for a toss. Huge wicket for Avesh as he finishes his first over by sending the Bangalore skipper back to the dugout. Good length ball outside off, Kohli looks to play it fine down to third man. He did it earlier in this over but this ball was too close for Super V to do that. The ball takes the inside edge and goes on
Avesh Khan to Virat Kohli, WIDE! Avesh misses his line and bowls one down the leg side. Kohli looks to flick but it is still way outside his reach.
Avesh Khan to Virat Kohli, Another cry of anguish from Virat! Full around off, in the arc for Kohli to play his trademark cover drive. He though mistimes it and plays it to the mat at short cover.
Avesh Khan to Virat Kohli, A 145.1 kph bouncer outside off from Avesh Khan! Kohli looks to upper cut it over the keeper's head but misses and lets out a huge grunt.Â
Avesh Khan to Virat Kohli, Fuller on off, Kohli pushes it to mid off.
Avesh Khan to Virat Kohli, ! Deft from Kohli! Did not try to hit it hard just placed it to perfection. Not a lot wrong in this delivery. It is on a length around off, Kohli just places it fine away from Pant and away from third man for a boundary.Â
Ishant Sharma to Virat Kohli, Direct hit and Kohli might have been in trouble. Slower ball on off, Kohli glances it towards mid on and calls for a quick run. He charges to the other end. Rabada at mid on, gets the ball and has a shy at the bowler's end but misses.Â
Avesh Khan to Virat Kohli, Avesh starts with a fuller ball on off, Kohli blocks it.Â
Avesh Khan is into the attack.
Ishant Sharma to Devdutt Padikkal, Length ball around off, Padikkal taps it to backward point for one.
Ishant Sharma to Devdutt Padikkal, ! Crunched! Shortish ball on middle and leg, Padikkal gets in position quickly and pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary.
Ishant Sharma to Devdutt Padikkal, HIGH IN THE AIR AND SAFE! Once again Ishant takes pace off the ball. Padikkal comes down the track and looks to go downtown. He mistimes it badly, the ball goes very, very high in the sky. Axar Patel circles around it but cannot settle as he runs behind. Axar misjudges it as the ball falls away from him. Padikkal comes back for the second. Tough chance as Axar is a brilliant fielder.
Ishant Sharma to Devdutt Padikkal, Appeal for caught behind but the umpire is unmoved. Delhi do not review it either. Slower ball but down the leg side. Padikkal looks to flick but misses as the ball kisses the pad and goes to the keeper.Â
Ishant Sharma to Virat Kohli, Good length delivery around off, Kohli dabs it to third man for one.
Kagiso Rabada to Virat Kohli, Misfield and they get a run! Fuller on off, Kohli pushes it to mid off. Kohli says no to the run but Avesh Khan there misfields allowing them to take the run.
Kagiso Rabada to Virat Kohli, ! What a shot! That is right of the meat! Super V looks in the mood tonight! Fullish ball on off and middle, Kohli flicks it and shows his lovely wrist work and gets it through mid-wicket for a boundary.
Kagiso Rabada to Devdutt Padikkal, Full toss around off and there is some inswing to the southpaw. Padikkal gets his bat a fraction late. Luckily he gets an inside edge which sees the ball go to fine leg for one.
Kagiso Rabada to Devdutt Padikkal, Full and outside off, Padikkal swings but connects with nothing.Â
Kagiso Rabada to Devdutt Padikkal, ! Fantastic shot from Padikkal! Pacy ball pitching on middle and off and coming back in. Padikkal flicks it as he closes the face of the bat in the last minute and wrists it through backward square leg for a boundary.
Kagiso Rabada to Devdutt Padikkal, Rabada starts with a length ball on the pads, Padikkal looks to flick but misses and gets hit high on the pad. Rabada appeals but the umpire is not keen.
Kagiso Rabada to bowl from the other end.
Ishant Sharma to Devdutt Padikkal, Inside edge and a single to end the over. Good length delivery on off, this one nips back in to the southpaw. Padikkal looks to defend but it takes the inside edge and goes behind square leg. Padikkal takes a single and keeps the strike. Tidy start from Delhi. Just 6 off the first over.
Ishant Sharma to Devdutt Padikkal, Better from Ishant! Good length ball around off, this shapes away from Padikkal once again. He looks to dab it to third man but misses.Â
Ishant Sharma to Devdutt Padikkal, ! Padikkal is off the mark! A poor ball from Ishant Sharma and is rightfully punished! Too full around off, gives Padikkal the width to free his arm. He slaps it over point and gets a boundary.
Ishant Sharma to Devdutt Padikkal, Another good ball! An immaculate seam position from Ishant. Bowls it in the channel of uncertainty around off, Padikkal looks to have a poke at it. The ball shapes away from Padikkal and squares him up.
Ishant Sharma to Devdutt Padikkal, Good and much better from Ishant! Hits the good length area around off and makes the ball shape away from the southpaw. Devdutt Padikkal keeps his eyes on the ball and leaves it alone.
Ishant Sharma to Virat Kohli, Kohli and Bangalore are off the mark straightaway! Poor ball from Ishant but there is protection in the deep! Full and coming in to the right-hander. Kohli flicks it right off the meat but there is deep square leg. Just a single.
We are all set for the action to begin! The two umpires make their way out to the middle. The Delhi players are in a huddle with their young skipper, Rishabh Pant having final words of motivation before his troops disperse on the field. Bangalore skipper, Virat Kohli strides out with the young and talented southpaw, Devdutt Padikkal to open the innings. The experienced, Ishant Sharma takes the new ball first up in his first game of the season.
Bangalore (Playing XI) - Virat Kohli (C), Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (IN FOR NAVDEEP SAINI), Glenn Maxwell, AB de Villiers (WK), Washington Sundar, Daniel Sams (IN FOR DAN CHRISTIAN), Kyle Jamieson, Harshal Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mohammed Siraj.
Delhi (Playing XI) - Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant (WK/C), Steven Smith, Shimron Hetmyer, Marcus Stoinis, Axar Patel, Amit Mishra, Kagiso Rabada, Ishant Sharma (IN FOR RAVICHANDRAN ASHWIN), Avesh Khan.
Bangalore skipper, Virat Kohli, says that they would have bowled first as well. But adds there was dew in the first innings in the last game too. Tells it is about laying foundation and then go hard at the back end. Kohli says it is an important game and tells they need to keep the focus and stay with the plan. Kohli informs there are a couple of changes in his side. Tells Saini and Christian make way for Rajat Patidar which gives them more depth in batting and Sams comes in.
Rishabh Pant, Delhi skipper, says that they will bowl first. Adds that the wicket is dry and dew will come. Informs that they have one change as Ishant Sharma comes in for Ravichandran Ashwin. Further says that Ishant Sharma has been bowling well in nets.
TOSS - We are all set for the coin flip. Delhi captain, Rishabh Pant is out in the middle joined by Bangalore skipper, Virat Kohli. Pant has the coin in hand. Up it goes. Kohli calls incorrectly. DELHI OPT TO BOWL!
Hello and welcome to game number 22 as Delhi takes on Bangalore. Both sides played their last game on Sunday with contrasting results. Bangalore's winning start to the season came to an end as Chennai pulled the handbrake on Bangalore's cruising start. Kohli and his troops will be hoping to bounce back from that loss and will be desperate to get back to winning ways and prove that loss was just a blip. Pant's Delhi come to Ahmedabad high on confidence as they survived a huge scare and managed to
Kagiso Rabada is down for an interview. He starts by saying that the team is playing good cricket. Adds that both batsmen and bowler are becoming smart nowadays. Mentions that he relies on his yorkers as it is his strength. Further says that Avesh Khan is doing well and he is a good future for India.
PITCH REPORT - Sunil Gavaskar is the pitch master from distance. Gavaskar says that there will be turn tonight as well. Tells there are some marks on the pitch. Gavaskar adds that hitting spinners will be difficult.Â